James William Somerville is a Scottish pop singer and songwriter. He sang in the 1980s with the synth-pop groups Bronski Beat and the Communards, and has also had a solo career. He is known in particular for his powerful and soulful countertenor/falsetto singing voice. Many of his songs, such as "Smalltown Boy", contain political commentary on gay-related issues.
Somerville performing at Let's Rock 2015, held at Ashton Court Estate, Bristol, UK.
Somerville at the Skarpa club in Warsaw, Poland, June 2006
Bronski Beat were a British synth-pop band formed in 1983 in London, England. The initial lineup, which recorded the majority of their hits, consisted of Jimmy Somerville (vocals), Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek. Simon Davolls contributed backing vocals to many songs.
Steve Bronski, Jimmy Somerville, and Larry Steinbachek, 1985
Somerville performing in 2011, on the Here and Now Tour.